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/ Asked by
Julie What are some tips to make sure I'm effectively communicating with my colleagues and bosses?
Answered by Stephanie, Hiring Expert at AT&T Inc., on Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Wow! Great question! Effective communication finds its roots in a couple of key ingredients, and not working from that foundation can lead to misunderstanding and inefficiency.
Get started by making sure you are on the same page with the person you are communicating with. If you are setting up a meeting or a series of meetings, discuss goals, desired outcomes, stakeholders and work for clear assignments of responsibilities.
Send consistent messages both verbal and non-verbal. I know this sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how much more successful you'll be using this subtle recommendation.
Always say what you mean and mean what you say! Be known as someone who is direct and honest.
And last but not least, ask for feedback. This is big and small! Feedback on outcomes for individual conversations to verify everyone heard the same message. Feedback on how you're doing on a big project to ensure your on the right path. And feedback from your boss on previously set goals.
Best of luck!
Wow! Great question! Effective communication finds its roots in a couple of key ingredients, and not working from that foundation can lead to misunderstanding and inefficiency.
Get started by making sure you are on the same page with the person you are communicating with. If you are setting up a meeting or a series of meetings, discuss goals, desired outcomes, stakeholders and work for clear assignments of responsibilities.
Send consistent messages both verbal and non-verbal. I know this sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how much more successful you'll be using this subtle recommendation.
Always say what you mean and mean what you say! Be known as someone who is direct and honest.
And last but not least, ask for feedback. This is big and small! Feedback on outcomes for individual conversations to verify everyone heard the same message. Feedback on how you're doing on a big project to ensure your on the right path. And feedback from your boss on previously set goals.
Best of luck!
Answered by Ashley, Hiring Expert at Cardinal Health, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Great question! Effective communication is key for a successful working relationship. In order to effectively communication with your colleagues and boss, I think it's most important to first understand their communication style. Being able to understand this will set the groundwork for a successful relationship.
There are a few things to keep in mind to be an effective communicator.
1) Be thorough. When scheduling meetings or sending emails, provide the full context around your message. Try to anticipate questions you may receive to avoid follow-up questions.
2) Be direct. Keep your messages as short as possible and to the point. Your colleagues and boss are probably extremely busy so you want to ensure you communicate your message as clear as possible.
3) Ask for feedback. Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues or boss if there is a communication style they prefer. Some people prefer discussing things in person so you don't want to bombard them with emails if that isn't considered effective communication to them.
Great question! Effective communication is key for a successful working relationship. In order to effectively communication with your colleagues and boss, I think it's most important to first understand their communication style. Being able to understand this will set the groundwork for a successful relationship.
There are a few things to keep in mind to be an effective communicator.
1) Be thorough. When scheduling meetings or sending emails, provide the full context around your message. Try to anticipate questions you may receive to avoid follow-up questions.
2) Be direct. Keep your messages as short as possible and to the point. Your colleagues and boss are probably extremely busy so you want to ensure you communicate your message as clear as possible.
3) Ask for feedback. Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues or boss if there is a communication style they prefer. Some people prefer discussing things in person so you don't want to bombard them with emails if that isn't considered effective communication to them.
Answered by Max, Hiring Expert at ADP, on Thursday, May 26, 2016
Fantastic question! This is something that some people spend a whole career developing. The first thing I would advise is to recognize that there is not one "holy grail" communication method. Companies thrive in diverse work environments, therefore you will have a diverse audience with a wide range of personalities, cultures, and work habits.
With that realized, you can get to know your audience and what form of communication works best for them. I have had some that have preferred setting up time for a one on one meeting and others that prefer email communication. When working with new leaders, I make the effort to get to know what works best for them.
The thing to remember is "know your audience." By doing that, you can effortlessly craft your communication skills to fit the individual or group you are communicating with. Best of luck in your career!
Fantastic question! This is something that some people spend a whole career developing. The first thing I would advise is to recognize that there is not one "holy grail" communication method. Companies thrive in diverse work environments, therefore you will have a diverse audience with a wide range of personalities, cultures, and work habits.
With that realized, you can get to know your audience and what form of communication works best for them. I have had some that have preferred setting up time for a one on one meeting and others that prefer email communication. When working with new leaders, I make the effort to get to know what works best for them.
The thing to remember is "know your audience." By doing that, you can effortlessly craft your communication skills to fit the individual or group you are communicating with. Best of luck in your career!
Answered by Bret, Hiring Expert at Emerson, on Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Communication can be the biggest contributor or the greatest staller to a person’s career success, so your question is an important one. The best communicators I have met in my career around the world are first and foremost amazing LISTENERS. Start by understanding the best way to respond to a situation or to the ideas and thoughts of others is to listen, take in and process the communication of others. That will go a long way
Second, cut out the BS and keep things on point. In all companies time, energy and effort can be wasted by those who speak for the sake of it, rather than contributing to the conversation or discussion. You will be highly respected by your colleagues if you are brief with high impact.
Third, plan out your presentations very, very well and practice, practice, practice. Presentations will can make or break a career depending on who’s in the audience.
Finally, be authentic. It is easy to see when an idea is original or comes from somewhere else. Do you research, listen to others, but process them into your own thoughts and ideas.
Good luck!
Communication can be the biggest contributor or the greatest staller to a person’s career success, so your question is an important one. The best communicators I have met in my career around the world are first and foremost amazing LISTENERS. Start by understanding the best way to respond to a situation or to the ideas and thoughts of others is to listen, take in and process the communication of others. That will go a long way
Second, cut out the BS and keep things on point. In all companies time, energy and effort can be wasted by those who speak for the sake of it, rather than contributing to the conversation or discussion. You will be highly respected by your colleagues if you are brief with high impact.
Third, plan out your presentations very, very well and practice, practice, practice. Presentations will can make or break a career depending on who’s in the audience.
Finally, be authentic. It is easy to see when an idea is original or comes from somewhere else. Do you research, listen to others, but process them into your own thoughts and ideas.
Good luck!
Answered by Christianna, Hiring Expert at BNY Mellon, on Friday, September 8, 2017
Collaborating with colleagues can lead to a more efficient and effective pathway to success. A crucial component to a functional team is a leader who promotes accountability and self-organization throughout. Additionally, it is important for the team as whole to constantly adapt throughout the project. By having both customers and teammates inspecting results and giving feedback, the team is able to quickly be receptive towards these results and adapt their process accordingly.
Collaborating with colleagues can lead to a more efficient and effective pathway to success. A crucial component to a functional team is a leader who promotes accountability and self-organization throughout. Additionally, it is important for the team as whole to constantly adapt throughout the project. By having both customers and teammates inspecting results and giving feedback, the team is able to quickly be receptive towards these results and adapt their process accordingly.
